MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF INNSBRUCK PhD student position We seek to hire a postgraduate student with training in practical field work (collection of arthropod samples) and, ideally, in Next-Generation Sequencing. The position is a 36-months position at the Molecular Ecology group of the Institute of Ecology, starting from 1 March 2014. Centering on the Alpine Space, the groups mission is interdisciplinary research, embedded in international collaboration networks. A list of research topics can be found at: uibk.ac.at/ecology/forschung/molecular_ecology.html.en. The successful candidate will participate in the molecular characterization of steppe organisms. The project consortium is international and includes members of the Universities of Innsbruck and Vienna (Austria), Lausanne (Switzerland) and the Real Jardín Botánico in Madrid (Spain). The project addresses the following issues: (1) Did the steppe biota colonize each Alpine dry valley independently or is there evidence for genetic exchange among the insular steppe habitats of different valleys? (2) What are the biogeographic connections of steppe biota from the Alpine dry valleys with other areas of steppe vegetation in Eurasia? (3) Are phylogeographic patterns seen in steppe plants and animals congruent, implying range shifts of entire communities or rather idiosyncratic suggesting individualistic responses to climatic oscillations? (4) Our phylogeographic approach will unravel intraspecific patterns of spatial differentiation and temporal diversification across steppe plant an d animal lineages. These will then not only be compared to each other, but also to independent data sources. Changes of distribution ranges of our study taxa through time will be hindcasted using environmental niche modeling. ***Responsibilities*** 1. collection of samples of steppe arthropod species in Europe (Alps, Eastern Europe) and Asia 2. participation in restriction site associated DNA [RAD] sequencing of the study species (wetlab and bioinformatic analysis) 3. phylogeographic and phylogenetic data analyses (BEAST, ABC-approaches, SPAGeDi) 4. manuscript writing 5. contact and collaboration with scientists and laboratory technicians at the Evolutionary Systematics group, Institute of Botany, Innsbruck University, as well as at other Austrian research facilities, and internationally ***Selection criteria*** A. MSc degree in life sciences B. published research experience in molecular systematics / evolution / biogeography, ideally using high-throughput sequencing data C. experience in the use of relevant software packages for phylogeographic / phylogenetic analyses D. ability to conduct field work for several consecutive weeks E. ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team F. ability to work independently G. very good knowledge of English ***Salary*** The annual gross salary is Euro 27,381 for a 36-months employment. The contract includes health insurance and 5 weeks of holidays annually. ***How to apply*** To apply, please submit by E-mail to : a cover letter, systematic point-by-point replies as to your readiness for the responsibilities and how you meet the selection criteria, brief statement of research interests, curriculum vitae, and complete list of publications. Arrange for at least one letter of recommendation to be sent to < [email protected]>. Applications must be written in English. The deadline for receipt of all applications is 17 November 2013. Our final decision will be announced to all applicants on 22 November 2013 the latest. The University of Innsbruck is striving to increase the percentage of female employees and therefore invites qualified women to apply. In the case of equivalent qualifications, women will be given preference. An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. ***The research institution and its environment*** Detailed information about the Molecular Ecology group can be found at uibk.ac.at/ecology/forschung/molecular_ecology.html.en. The University of Innsbruck has a long-standing and internationally renowned tradition in life sciences and offers a vibrant research atmosphere. It has 27,000 students and 4,000 staff members. Innsbruck is situated in the Alps and very close to Switzerland, Germany and Italy; scenery and outdoor recreation are fantastic. ***More information needed?*** For more information, please contact: Florian M. Steiner Florian M. Steiner Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck Technikerstrasse 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Phone: +43 512 507-51750; Fax: +43 512 507-51799 uibk.ac.at/ecology/forschung/molecular_ecology.html.en
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:08:13 +0000
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